Theories of "Divergent"

We all love the film Divergent, but has anyone ever thought of the sociology involved in the movie? Well, I sure have. There were four main theories involved in the movie, and I'm here to tell you about them. (Spoilers Ahead)

Strain Theory

Strain Theory is the idea that deviance is more likely in gaps between cultural goals and the ability to achieve those goals. That being said, the whole conflict of the movie was a great example of the strain theory. Abnegation is the head of government. However, Erudite believes that they should be the ones in charge. With the obsession of being head faction, Erudite leader, Jeanine Matthews, devises a plan to take out Abnegation. Using a serum that makes the ones injected more susceptible to orders, Dauntless and Erudite officials inject all Dauntless citizens. This act caused all of Dauntless to go on a crazy killing rampage, practically wiping out all of Abnegation. With the amount that Jeanine and the rest of Erudite wanted to be head of government, they were willing to do anything to take over.

Control Theory

Control Theory is the idea that compliance requires strong bonds with society. The saying "faction before blood" and the whole concept of only abiding by your factions laws is a great example of the control theory. The founders of this futuristic Chicago, make everyone believe that there is no life outside of the walls. This caused everyone to not bother leaving. Creating five factions makes everyone feel as if they have a role in the society. Therefore, every law and everything that the citizens of these five factions believe in are all part of the control theory.

Differential Association Theory

Differential Association Theory is the idea that individuals learn deviance by exposure to deviance. The entire Dauntless population is deviant in their own way. They run everywhere they go, they fight, jump off trains, etc. In the beginning of the movie, Tris was a quiet Abnegation girl. However, with the exposure to the Dauntless ways, she becomes just like one of them.

Labeling Theory

Labeling Theory is the theory that society creates deviance by identifying them as such. The idea that Divergent people are bad is an example of the labeling theory. In reality, Divergents have a much smarter mind than everyone else, causing officials to feel threatened by them. So, they make everyone believe that being divergent is terrible, and that if you are one, you should be killed.

The examples that I listed are not the only ones from the movie. They are simply the most obvious. So, the next time you watch Divergent, or any other movie, try to see what theories are involved within it.